Activists arrested in live sheep protest - The West Australian

Two animal activists were arrested this morning after they allegedly boarded a live export ship and took graphic pictures of sheep being dumped on to the dock at Fremantle port.

Six Animal Rescue Team activists, who had gained access to the Bader III by telling security officials they wanted to carry out an inspection, also took pictures of pregnant sheep being loaded on to the vessel.

ART spokeswoman Amy Flee claimed one of the female activists was allegedly assaulted by the ship's captain after she locked her thumb on to the ramp to prevent more sheep from being loaded.

"The captain was disgruntled and irate about the situation so he grabbed her in a choke hold and ripped her arm away, causing severe lacerations to her thumb."

Ms Flee also claims security officers from Fremantle Port dangled two activists over the side of the ship and threatened to throw them overboard.

"We are planning to make a complaint about that."

The two activists-Kate Jones, 23 and Benjamin Goran, 20-were taken to the Fremantle police station and charged with trespassing.

One of the activists remains on board after climbing into the crow's nest.

"It's really dangerous to get him down so he is still in there," Ms Flee said.

Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren called for an immediate end to all live animal exports.

"Why is it that the public have to jump on ships to expose these horrors when the Government continues to claim we supposedly have the best system of regulations in the world," Ms MacLaren said.